Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill said the sophomore had surgery on Sunday.

“You just feel terrible,” said Kill. “The game of football is a great game. But it’s a hard game. He’s a beautiful kid and smart. So it’s a shame. However, the kid that came in did a tremendous job.”

Christenson, a nine-game starter for the Gophers, was injured in the first half and replaced by his backup, junior Tommy Olson. Kill said that Olson would get the start at center when Minnesota (7-2) hosts Penn State on Saturday.